I have to admit that I don't know a lot about Diana Krall. I know she's been a very popular jazz artist over the years, I know she's had a few concert DVD's and judging by the photos of her, she's pretty damn hot!

Well I decided to Netflix this concert and here's a few randoms:

OMG... who told her she can sing? Oh my goodness, how do you take Jobim standards like Corcavado and Girl from Ipanema and sing them tone deaf? It was disgraceful!! I'm sorry but whoever told Diana she could sing was lying to her! The only songs I felt she sang well were the Nat King Cole songs she covered. I am sorry but she seemed as if she were sleepwalking throughout much of the set. No stage presence at all. On the good side, the girl can play!!

I have to give it to Diana, she really is a talented pianist and she's best at straight ahead jazz. Her technique is faultless and she's equally adept playing with both hands (many aren't) and she's versatile in different forms of music, be it the jazz or the samba.

Oh yeah, she's still hot!

As for the disc, I have to say the following:

This is not a pretty looking disc. There is lots of low level video noise throughout much of the film. While the close ups on stage look nice, the medium and long shots look pretty terrible given the video noise. They either needed better cameras or better lighting cause this just didn't work. On the good side, it doesn't have any softness and very much looks HD.

The audio is where this disc shines. This is the disc quality the Chris Botti- Live with the Boston Pops should have been. Very dynamic and wide ranging. Clarity of the instruments and the resonance was perfect. You could make out every detail of each musician (minus one caveat) the guitar, piano, drums, acoustic bass and orchestra came through perfectly. The only downgrade I can give the mix is that sometimes percussionist Paulinho da Costa was a bit far back in the mix. I'd count this as one of the finer concert audio mixes i've heard.

Very close to spot on. Her DVD Live in Paris (it was shot on SD widescreen PAL (I believe) so it will never be on BD) was far superior in effort and effect.

I'm not going to argue with you about her singing, but I agree with your evaluation of the AV quality. It's like the live lighting crew and the video production crew were unaware of each other's existence. But the sound is top-tier.

The informal rooftop session in the bonus section is very nice, though.

Sorry can't agree with either one of you. I think she sings pretty d@mn good and her piano playing is spectacular.

mark

When I first saw this concert during most of it I thought she was suffering a severe headache. Delving a bit deeper into the recordings, the interviews, rooftop session I learned that this really is a very intimate and enjoyable concert.

'Live in Paris' was a much more straightforward affair. To learn about & enjoy Diana Krall I highly recommend that concert dvd, which should not cost too much at present. After having seen that dvd countless times I must say I'm now quite happy with the much more intimate and subtle Rio concert.

And on the vocal capabilities of Diana: besides her excellent piano work she is a rather accomplished singer, which you'll have no trouble recognising on her earlier dvd. ;)

Sorry can't agree with either one of you. I think she sings pretty d@mn good and her piano playing is spectacular.


When I said "I'm not going to argue" I wasn't expressing an opinion. I do think she's a wonderful singer, but I try not to get into arguments over aesthetics. Or religion. Or politics.

I will agree that she appeared to be strained singing the newer songs. The video here leaves a bit to be desired as it is filled with video noise and was shot by what apeared to be amateurs. Just look at the fact that the lights for the orchestra were turned up and were very visible making the video hard to watch at times. The audio was flawless however, which is the more important of the 2 anyway for a concert video. Back to the singing. I have seen her live about 12 times now dating back to the mid 1990s and saw her Friday night at the Mann in PHiladelphia. She has dropped the songs that where she had range issues from the new album and sings the rest beautifully. I guess it took her a awhile to get her hands around them. Friday was the best I have ever seen her. Her band, Jeff Hamilton, Robert Hurst and Anthony Wilson were also in stellar form. It was a real treat to see 4 musicians in total control of their instruments. If you really want to see what she is all about, please see her live. The Paris disc is the best of her 3 video reelaseswiththe Rio disc coming in second.

Thank you 'davcole' for your candid review of this title, and particularly of Ms. Krall's questionable singing prowess. I've always been puzzled by her popularity and of all the accolades she's garnered (certainly, her pleasing, sultry presence is integral to her appeal).

Interestingly, 'Live in Rio' joins a couple of other recent concert BD releases by two other fellow Canadians: K.D. Lang's 'Live in London w/the BBC Orchestra', and Michael Buble's 'Caught In The Act' (of which I both have also). Without a doubt, in terms of vocal endowment, Lang is the powerhouse of this trio; of which Krall's delivery range would register last. Along with the most captivating & haunting performance, 'Live in London w/the BBC Orchestra' offers the best PQ & AQ of the 3. In particular, the DTS-HD track on the Lang BD is the most nuanced, and hands down the best mixed, with the strongest & most discrete center channel vocal presentation. Although an enjoyable performance, the lossless track on the Buble BD placed his vocals mainly on front effects channels, with very little output from the center, where it should have been.

No doubt, Lang's BD is my current concert demo disc of choice in terms of the sheer, visceral experience. Sorry for going off on a tangent.

I would agree about the PQ and AQ of the K.D. Lang disc being better although the PQ is a bit soft. K.D. Lang has a great voice. However, expect for a few tracks on the Live in London disc, her choice of material leaves a lot to be desired IMHO. It takes more than a great set of pipes to be a great singer. Diana Krall's lack of range is not really important with the proper choice of material. At her recent concert in Philadelphia, she had a great mix of material and mesmerized the audience with it. As with all music, it all boils down to your taste.

Well, she's first and formost a Jazz Pianist. And singing is secondary. Even she admits that. She has a very subdued, smokey voice. And for what she does, I think her voice is more than appropriate. Especially in a 'live' setting.

As with all music, it all boils down to your taste.

Exactly.... :)

She needs to get back to the old days. In other words "swing."

That is exactly what she did Friday night!

When I said "I'm not going to argue" I wasn't expressing an opinion. I do think she's a wonderful singer, but I try not to get into arguments over aesthetics. Or religion. Or politics.

I agree its matter of taste. But we were posting at same time and I wasn't refering to your post. After reading the first two I just felt I had to speak up for her because I enjoy her singing.

mark

Don't mess with Krall, she one of only about a half dozen "modern" artists audiophiles will listen to.

Well,

I will order this disk to check it out. I can't say I am a huge fan but love great audio quality and Jazz at times.

Agree with others that the K.D. Lang blu-ray is reference SQ. I highly recommend it. Her voice really does give me goose bumps sometimes but I will agree that her stage presence is not on par as some others.

Rick

Thank you 'davcole' for your candid review of this title, and particularly of Ms. Krall's questionable singing prowess. I've always been puzzled by her popularity and of all the accolades she's garnered (certainly, her pleasing, sultry presence is integral to her appeal).



I have to think that her popularity resides mainly amongst those who are not familiar with the artists she is emulating. There are many, many examples of artists doing the same material with a good deal more prowess and style. They just don't happen to be blond, pretty and alive. I can take Krall in small doses, but usually after a few tunes I'm reaching for copies of the same tunes done by the original artists, or at least those who came long before her. Now I'll get out of here before I get strung up. ;)

RD, if you ever can. see her live. You may change your opinion. her live performances are much better than her studio recordings.

I agree that the video is a mix bag. The close ups and the city shoots were excellent.
The medium range shot looks like they were made with SD camera.

With respect to the Chris Botti Live in Boston BD, the mix is reference quality. The difference between that one and Krall's one is that the Botti is recorded like you were seating a few rows from the stage while the Diana Krall one is like you were in the stage...
Both recordings are outstanding though. But with a different design...

RD, if you ever can. see her live. You may change your opinion. her live performances are much better than her studio recordings.I want to be an audience in her live performance.:)

With respect to the Chris Botti Live in Boston BD, the mix is reference quality. The difference between that one and Krall's one is that the Botti is recorded like you were seating a few rows from the stage while the Diana Krall one is like you were in the stage...
Both recordings are outstanding though. But with a different design...

For me it really is about the mix and the dynamics with the Botti disc. I will concede the Botti disc is well recorded but as was discussed in a previous thread that disc was lacking in dynamics. For me it came off compressed sounding along with it's audience perspective mix which is one I don't care for and because of that the orchestra really seemed restrained. I much prefer the mix on this Krall disc as I felt I was involved with all aspects of the music and found it more enveloping (ironic as this was a 5.1 mix, the Botti disc was a 7.1 mix).

However I can respect everyone's differing opinion.

She needs to get back to the old days. In other words "swing."

That's exactly my feeling.

I have one Krall album and that's THE LOOK OF LOVE and I admit not to being overly impressed with it and it doesn't have a lot of what she does best and that's playing.

As for the Rio disc, was anyone else bothered by the camera angles of her playing? Usually when you see a pianist playing they are shot and kinda highlighted with very little in the background. There were very few shots that actually showed her playing. While we appreciated seeing her ankles from time to time, it would have been better to show the angle of her playing.

Don't mess with Krall, she one of only about a half dozen "modern" artists audiophiles will listen to.

and audiophiles are not really appreciators of good music or good musical trends. Diana Krall without her looks wouldn't go very far in the jazz world
too many great pianists and singers that far out shine her musically

and I'd take a sade blu ray any day over Diane

I saw her several times, nice, but not that engaging

give me nina simone on jazz icons - now there is goosebumps

Don't mess with Krall, she one of only about a half dozen "modern" artists audiophiles will listen to.

and audiophiles are not really appreciators of good music or good musical trends. Diana Krall without her looks wouldn't go very far in the jazz world
too many great pianists and singers that far out shine her musically



While I agree that part of her popularity is due to her looks, I don't want to take away from the fact she's a talented pianist. While she is talented as a pianist, i'm not sure she's any more talented than a Dianne Shurr and definitely not on the level of an Eliane Elias.

For me it really is about the mix and the dynamics with the Botti disc. I will concede the Botti disc is well recorded but as was discussed in a previous thread that disc was lacking in dynamics. For me it came off compressed sounding along with it's audience perspective mix which is one I don't care for and because of that the orchestra really seemed restrained. I much prefer the mix on this Krall disc as I felt I was involved with all aspects of the music and found it more enveloping (ironic as this was a 5.1 mix, the Botti disc was a 7.1 mix).

However I can respect everyone's differing opinion.


Agreed about Botti in Boston.....overated IMHO and along with the dynamics issue I thought the soundstage was a bit lacking, but I respect everyones opinion since audio is so subjective.

Looking forward to hearing the AQ on this Krall disc which I should have next week or early the following week (I am not familiar with her music at all so it should be interesting) after your great detailed opinion:)

give me nina simone on jazz icons - now there is goosebumps

Carmen McRae, Sarah Vaughan and Nat Cole are several other examples of singers who played piano and did both better than Krall by a long shot. If you separate the singers from pianists, the lists get pretty long.

Very disappointed in this disc. Ms. Krall seems barely interested. Head ache? Possibly. I also disagree with the notion that the sonics are first rate. I'm not one of those who is satisfied if "the mix" is good, I am much more interested in the quality of the sound itself. In that regard I found it a little dull, just like the performance. Most of these songs are a rehash of the DVD Live in Paris, but these versions seem misguided. My guess is she's become bored with these songs and is now trying to find ways to keep them interesting to her. Given her demeanor, it isn't working. When you have to guess whether the artist has a headache or is just plain bored with her material, it isn't good.

Aside from that, the video is also not very good. There is often video noise and the blue lighting is up too high, giving a 60's light show effect which is out of place here.

Even the parts where Krall is shown brightly lit and sharp just seems boring.

Just seems like there was very little thought about how to make use of the potential offered by blu-ray audio and video and instead an effort was made to rush something out while blu-ray is hot.

I can take or leave Krall, I enjoy some of her music but I don't own any. The local library has basically all her music on CD so I just borrowed them to listen to. I'll rent this BD from Netflix and see how I feel about this performance and sound.

I enjoy the Chris Botti BDs I have. The sound quality is pretty darn good as far as I'm concerned.

Female jazz singer? I like Patricia Barber's music on CD. The recording studio is top notch for sound. Run don't walk and try some of her stuff.

I feel the same way about Patricia Barber that you do about Diana Krall. While all of her CDs (even more so for the LP editions) have excellent sonics, I can take or leave her music. The Nightclub release IMHO is her best and most accessible work to date and the one I reach for when I want to listen to her music. Another very good female jazz singer is Tierney Sutton. While a couple of her recordings have been misses, on the whole,they are very good. Her live performances, much like Diana Krall, are much better than the records.

We can add a couple more contemporary female jazz vocalists who have great vocal chops....Sophie Milman (another fellow Canadian -- dvd available) and Jane Monheit. :cool:

I love diana krall to me she can sing prefect she a very smart lady.

I thought I was the only one that thought the video quality on this disc is poor.

I wish they had shot Live in Rio progressive, instead of interlaced.

Some of the shot selections of the performers were just not very flattering.

I thought I was the only one that thought the video quality on this disc is poor.

I wish they had shot Live in Rio progressive, instead of interlaced.

Some of the shot selections of the performers were just not very flattering.Agreed for the picture quality especially, in the dark scenes,it filled with bluish noises in my screen but if you watch in LCD,it cannot be seen.:)

I thought I was the only one that thought the video quality on this disc is poor.

I wish they had shot Live in Rio progressive, instead of interlaced.

Some of the shot selections of the performers were just not very flattering.


I think it looks excellent on the light shots and most of the dark shot am a happy costumer:).

It has nothing to do with interlaced or progressive:rolleyes: it because they most likely had limited and poor video stock and it is in Rio what do you expect.

I thought I was the only one that thought the video quality on this disc is poor.

I wish they had shot Live in Rio progressive, instead of interlaced.

Some of the shot selections of the performers were just not very flattering.

I guess you mean shot on film instead of video. There is a major difference than just saying progressive since it was shot on a 1080 HD video camera.

I guess you mean shot on film instead of video. There is a major difference than just saying progressive since it was shot on a 1080 HD video camera.

Well, let's say "frame mode"--- 30p? Isn't that what Live in Paris was shot in? 60i just isn't as flattering here in my opinion.

I believe some professional HD cams can shoot 24p, 30p or 60i.

Well, let's say "frame mode"--- 30p? Isn't that what Live in Paris was shot in? 60i just isn't as flattering here in my opinion.

I believe some professional HD cams can shoot 24p, 30p or 60i.

It makes no difference what frame rate it's shot in, as long as it's displayed at the same frame rate. You simply can't see a difference. The trouble occurs when it's displayed at a different rate than it was shot in.

The only conceivable reason to shoot at 24 with a HD video cam would be if the content was to be combined with film content, or transferred to film for display.

Hard to discount the sound quality on this BD which is excellent. I liked the music per se but the performance overall left me rather cold! Glad I only rented it.

I got this BD for Christmas along with an OPPO BD-83. SQ is very good. Video is very bad. As a video engineer and camera operator for 30 years, I think this is inexcusable. Oftentimes when the "talent" come's out for sound test before the show, they will complain that the lighting is too bright. A good lighting director can help , but the video guy and camera op's. have to deal with the problem after the lighting director has done all he can do. The video op. had to add "gain" to some of the cameras and that's where you get the video noise. I hate video noise! The camera ops. have to deal with low depth of field because of the low light level.This makes it hard to focus the camera.You can see them fighting the focus in the show.At the end of the day, the talent sometimes get what they want and the show can suffer.This is a prime example.